Hi Anna, I had DCIS 10 years ago and had a lumpectomy with radiotherapy and then routine mammogram in December picked up a new non-invasive cancer in the same breast. I had a mastectomy of my right breast with immediate skin sparing reconstruction, no lymph nodes touched and using tissue from my tummy 18 days ago and I’m doing ok. I was surprisingly calm on the day of the op and the surgeons, theatre staff and all the nursing staff gave me the best care possible. My surgeon told me on the day he would cure me which reassured me no end. Woke up with oxygen , a catheter and three drains in and didn’t get out of bed until day 3 and then they came out on day 4 and I was discharged day 5. I was kept in a single room kept at 28 degrees with a heated blanket on for the first 24 hours to help the blood flow to the newly constructed breast. On days 2 & 3 I thought what have I done as I felt like I’d been hit by a train and I was stiff and uncomfortable but then I thought well what’s a short term pain for the long term gain. My surgeon was more than pleased with how it all went and discharged on day 5. I ended up back in A&E early hours of day 6 as I had a urine infection due to the catheter but nothing that antibiotics couldn’t sort out. Dressings were changed at the hospital breast clinic a couple of days later. The only thing I’m struggling a bit with at the moment is some pain in my armpit and underside of my arm where they connected the blood vessels and my BCN said it might be short term nerve damage but I’m trying to work through it with pain killers and massage. I recently obtained two heart pillows designed especially for women who have had mastectomies and are free just paying postage and packaging. Search Jens Friends on the internet as I’m finding them great to support your newly constructed breast but also for emotional support too. I have a follow up appointment in 2 weeks and then I’ll find out what or any follow up treatment is needed. They’ve have said I can have a tattoo and new nipple constructed in 12 months but to be honest I’m not that bothered. Finally, in terms of recovery it will be a slow process and my surgeon said it would be 3-4 months to get back to full mobility and 12 months to realistically getting back to full health. Finally I have the added complication of my husband having MS with poor mobility and therefore we’ve had to pull on the support of family and friends who are only too happy to help out. My advice to you Anna is that the unknown is much more scary than what you already know. If I had to, I would make the same choice again knowing what I know. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help when you need it no matter how big or small. Good luck with your operation and treatment going forward, you are strong and you’ll come through it ok. Onwards and upwards. Jan xxx
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